Spatial exploration field of view preview mechanism

ABSTRACT

Indicators operable to preview or show the position and relative zoom level of a field of view within a virtual space. Virtual space exploration took typically make use of a field of view for limiting a user&#39;s view of the virtual space and zooming in on a portion of the virtual space. A spherical indicator is provided to show the current position of the field of view within the virtual space, as well as provide an indication of level of zoom. A local field of view indication is also provided to show the current position of the field of view, as well as provide an indication of level of zoom, with respect to a nearby object within the virtual space. Such indicators may be useful in exploring outer space as well as landscapes and any other spaces.

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a Continuation of and claims priority from U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/941,097 that was filed on Nov. 16, 2007and that is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

When exploring spatial environments using virtual browsing tools, it canbe difficult to determine a current position relative to the overallenvironment. For example, when looking at a map at a high zoom level, itcan be difficult to know where you are looking. Or, when exploring outerspace with a relatively narrow field of view, it can be difficult toknow what portion of the sky is being explored.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in orderto provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not anextensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identifykey/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of theinvention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed hereinin a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description thatis presented later.

The present examples provide indicators operable to preview or show theposition and relative zoom level of a field of view within a virtualspace. Virtual space exploration tools typically make use of a field ofview for limiting a user's view of the virtual space and zooming in on aportion of the virtual space. A spherical indicator is provided to showthe current position of the field of view within the virtual space, aswell as provide an indication of level of zoom. A local field of viewindication is also provided to show the current position of the field ofview, as well as provide an indication of level of zoom, with respect toa nearby object within the virtual space. Such indicators may be usefulin exploring outer space as well as landscapes and any other spaces.

Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as thesame become better understood by reference to the following detaileddescription considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present description will be better understood from the followingdetailed description considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of an examplespherical indicator.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of an examplelocal field of view indicator.

FIG. 3 is a static image example of a virtual space presentationinterface of a virtual space browsing tool including example sphericaland local indicators.

FIG. 4 is a static image example of spherical and local indicators.

FIG. 5 is another static image example of spherical and localindicators.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example computing environment inwhich the technologies described herein may be implemented.

Like reference numerals are used to designate like elements in theaccompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description provided below in connection with theaccompanying drawings is intended as a description of the presentexamples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which thepresent examples may be constructed or utilized. The description setsforth at least some of the functions of the examples and/or the sequenceof steps for constructing and operating examples. However, the same orequivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by differentexamples.

Although the present examples are described and illustrated herein asbeing implemented in a computing environment, the environment describedis provided as an example and not a limitation. As those skilled in theart will appreciate, the present examples are suitable for applicationin a variety of different types of computing environments.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of an examplespherical indicator 100. Such an indicator may be used to provide a “youare here” view indicating the portion of some spatial environment beingviewed when using a virtual space browsing tool or the like. In oneexample of indicator 100, included is a translucent sphere 110 withovals 111 and 112 to aid in providing a spherical appearance whendisplayed in two dimensions. Further included are lines 121 and 122which provide for a visual center point 120 of sphere 110. Sphere 110typically represents an imaginary rotating sphere of gigantic radius,concentric and coaxial with the Earth, or some other body, located atcenter point 120. Oval 111 is typically thought of as the celestialequator projected from the body at center point 120. Line 122 istypically considered the celestial pole projected from the body atcenter point 120. Symbol ‘N’ 113 indicates the north pole of sphere 110and the body at center point 120.

When browsing a virtual space all objects in the sky and/or surroundingsmay be thought of as lying on sphere 110. When using a virtual spacebrowsing tool to view such a sky and/or surroundings, indicator 100typically indicates the position of the current field of view (“FOV”) ofthe browsing tool. In one example, indicator 100 shows the FOV as aprojection 130 onto the surface of sphere 110 from center point 120. Therelative size of projection 130 is typically an indication of therelative zoom of the current FOV. For example, a larger projectiongenerally indicates a lesser level of zoom and a smaller projection agreater level of zoom. Examples of zoom levels and correspondingprojection sizes are provided in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5.

Indicator 100 typically includes positional information for the currentFOV. In one example of positional information, right ascension (“RA”)160 is one of two conventional coordinates used, displayed using anhours, minutes, seconds format or the like. The second of the twoconventional coordinates used is declination (“Dec”), displayed using a+/− degrees, minutes, seconds format or the like. These two conventionalcoordinates may be used to indicate the position of the current FOV onsphere 110. Indicator 100 may thus be used to provide an indication ofthe position and relative zoom of a current FOV of a virtual spacebrowsing tool or the like.

The term “virtual space” as used herein generally refers to arepresentation of some space, actual or imaginary, from a particularpoint of reference, such as outer space (the Earth, for example, beingthe point of reference) or some other space surrounding a particularpoint of reference (some point on the Earth, for example). The term“spatial environment” as used herein generally refers to a virtualspace, real space, and/or imaginary space. Such spaces may, for example,be galactic, subatomic, or of any scope in-between.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of an examplelocal field of view indicator 200. Such an indicator may be used toprovide a “you are here” view with respect to a nearby object 220 in aportion of the sky and/or surroundings being viewed when using a virtualspace browsing tool or the like. In one example, indicator 200 includesarea 210 typically showing an object 220 nearby the current FOV 211position. Object 220 is typically centered in area 210 and the positionof the current FOV 211 is typically shown relative to object 220. Object220 may be a representation of an object, an image of an object, or thelike. The size of FOV 211 typically provides a relative indication oflevel of zoom. Symbol “L4” 213 also typically provides a relativeindication of the level of zoom, lower numbers typically indicating lesszoom and higher number more zoom. Further, zoom indicator 230 may alsoprovide a visual indication of the relative level of zoom with fill line232 indicating less zoom when more toward the left and more zoom whenmore toward the right. Object Name field 212 typically presents the nameor other information of object 220. Indicator 200 may thus be used toindicate the position of the current FOV relative to a nearby object inthe virtual space of a virtual space browsing tool or the like.

FIG. 3 is a static image example of a virtual space presentationinterface 300 of a virtual space browsing tool including examplespherical and local indicators 330. Example 300 includes a current fieldof view “FOV”) 310 of the virtual space which, in this example, is ofouter space. A user may generally explore the virtual space by movingthe FOV to a desired location in the virtual space via suitable userinterface mechanisms. Further, the user may zoom in or out of thevirtual space as desired, thus narrowing or widening FOV 310respectively. Example spherical and local indicators 330, such asdescribed in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2, may indicate the current FOVposition within the virtual space.

FIG. 4 is a static image example of spherical and local indicators. Inthis example, local indicator 420 is centered on a representation of theCanes Venatici constellation with relatively little zoom and arelatively wide FOV, the FOV also centered on the representation of theCanes Venatici constellation. Further, spherical indicator 410 shows aprojection of the current FOV including values for corresponding RA andDec, again indicating a relatively wide FOV.

FIG. 5 is another static image example of spherical and localindicators. In this example, local indicator 520 is centered on arepresentation of the Canes Venatici constellation, this time with morezoom and a narrower FOV when compared with FIG. 4. Further, sphericalindicator 510 shows a projection of the current FOV including values forcorresponding RA and Dec, again indicating a narrower wide FOV whencompared with FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example computing environment 600in which the technologies described herein may be implemented. Asuitable computing environment may be implemented with numerous generalpurpose or special purpose systems. Examples of well known systems mayinclude, but are not limited to, cell phones, personal digitalassistants (“PDA”), personal computers (“PC”), hand-held or laptopdevices, microprocessor-based systems, multiprocessor systems, servers,workstations, consumer electronic devices, set-top boxes, and the like.

Computing environment 600 typically includes a general-purpose computingsystem in the form of a computing device 601 coupled to variouscomponents, such as peripheral devices 602, 603, 604 and the like.System 600 may couple to various other components, such as input devices603, including voice recognition, touch pads, buttons, keyboards and/orpointing devices, such as a mouse or trackball, via one or moreinput/output (“I/O”) interfaces 612. The components of computing device601 may include one or more processors (including central processingunits (“CPU”), graphics processing units (“GPU”), microprocessors(“μP”), and the like) 607, system memory 609, and a system bus 608 thattypically couples the various components. Processor 607 typicallyprocesses or executes various computer-executable instructions tocontrol the operation of computing device 601 and to communicate withother electronic and/or computing devices, systems or environment (notshown) via various communications connections such as a networkconnection 614 or the like. System bus 608 represents any number ofseveral types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memorycontroller, a peripheral bus, a serial bus, an accelerated graphicsport, a processor or local bus using any of a variety of busarchitectures, and the like.

System memory 609 may include computer readable media in the form ofvolatile memory, such as random access memory (“RAM”), and/ornon-volatile memory, such as read only memory (“ROM”) or flash memory(“FLASH”). A basic input/output system (“BIOS”) may be stored innon-volatile or the like. System memory 609 typically stores data,computer-executable instructions and/or program modules comprisingcomputer-executable instructions that are immediately accessible toand/or presently operated on by one or more of the processors 607.

Mass storage devices 604 and 610 may be coupled to computing device 601or incorporated into computing device 601 via coupling to the systembus. Such mass storage devices 604 and 610 may include non-volatile RAM,a magnetic disk drive which reads from and/or writes to a removable,non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”) 605, and/or anoptical disk drive that reads from and/or writes to a non-volatileoptical disk such as a CD ROM, DVD ROM 606. Alternatively, a massstorage device, such as hard disk 610, may include non-removable storagemedium. Other mass storage devices may include memory cards, memorysticks, tape storage devices, and the like.

Any number of computer programs, files, data structures, and the likemay be stored in mass storage 610, other storage devices 604, 605, 606and system memory 609 (typically limited by available space) including,by way of example and not limitation, operating systems, applicationprograms, data files, directory structures, computer-executableinstructions, and the like.

Output components or devices, such as display device 602, may be coupledto computing device 601, typically via an interface such as a displayadapter 611. Output device 602 may be a liquid crystal display (“LCD”).Other example output devices may include printers, audio outputs, voiceoutputs, cathode ray tube (“CRT”) displays, tactile devices or othersensory output mechanisms, or the like. Output devices may enablecomputing device 601 to interact with human operators or other machines,systems, computing environments, or the like. A user may interface withcomputing environment 600 via any number of different I/O devices 603such as a touch pad, buttons, keyboard, mouse, joystick, game pad, dataport, and the like. These and other I/O devices may be coupled toprocessor 607 via I/O interfaces 612 which may be coupled to system bus608, and/or may be coupled by other interfaces and bus structures, suchas a parallel port, game port, universal serial bus (“USB”), fire wire,infrared (“IR”) port, and the like.

Computing device 601 may operate in a networked environment viacommunications connections to one or more remote computing devicesthrough one or more cellular networks, wireless networks, local areanetworks (“LAN”), wide area networks (“WAN”), storage area networks(“SAN”), the Internet, radio links, optical links and the like.Computing device 601 may be coupled to a network via network adapter 613or the like, or, alternatively, via a modem, digital subscriber line(“DSL”) link, integrated services digital network (“ISDN”) link,Internet link, wireless link, or the like.

Communications connection 614, such as a network connection, typicallyprovides a coupling to communications media, such as a network.Communications media typically provide computer-readable andcomputer-executable instructions, data structures, files, programmodules and other data using a modulated data signal, such as a carrierwave or other transport mechanism. The term “modulated data signal”typically means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics setor changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. Byway of example, and not limitation, communications media may includewired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection or thelike, and wireless media, such as acoustic, radio frequency, infrared,or other wireless communications mechanisms.

Power source 690, such as a battery or a power supply, typicallyprovides power for portions or all of computing environment 600. In thecase of the computing environment 600 being a mobile device or portabledevice or the like, power source 690 may be a battery. Alternatively, inthe case computing environment 600 is a desktop computer or server orthe like, power source 690 may be a power supply designed to connect toan alternating current (“AC”) source, such as via a wall outlet.

Some mobile devices may not include many of the components described inconnection with FIG. 6. For example, an electronic badge may becomprised of a coil of wire along with a simple processing unit 607 orthe like, the coil configured to act as power source 690 when inproximity to a card reader device or the like. Such a coil may also beconfigure to act as an antenna coupled to the processing unit 607 or thelike, the coil antenna capable of providing a form of communicationbetween the electronic badge and the card reader device. Suchcommunication may not involve networking, but may alternatively begeneral or special purpose communications via telemetry, point-to-point,RF, IR, audio, or other means. An electronic card may not includedisplay 602, I/O device 603, or many of the other components describedin connection with FIG. 6. Other mobile devices that may not includemany of the components described in connection with FIG. 6, by way ofexample and not limitation, include electronic bracelets, electronictags, implantable devices, and the like.

Those skilled in the art will realize that storage devices utilized toprovide computer-readable and computer-executable instructions and datacan be distributed over a network. For example, a remote computer orstorage device may store computer-readable and computer-executableinstructions in the form of software applications and data. A localcomputer may access the remote computer or storage device via thenetwork and download part or all of a software application or data andmay execute any computer-executable instructions. Alternatively, thelocal computer may download pieces of the software or data as needed, ordistributively process the software by executing some of theinstructions at the local computer and some at remote computers and/ordevices.

Those skilled in the art will also realize that, by utilizingconventional techniques, all or portions of the software'scomputer-executable instructions may be carried out by a dedicatedelectronic circuit such as a digital signal processor (“DSP”),programmable logic array (“PLA”), discrete circuits, and the like. Theterm “electronic apparatus” may include computing devices or consumerelectronic devices comprising any software, firmware or the like, orelectronic devices or circuits comprising no software, firmware or thelike.

The term “firmware” typically refers to executable instructions, code,data, applications, programs, or the like maintained in an electronicdevice such as a ROM. The term “software” generally refers to executableinstructions, code, data, applications, programs, or the like maintainedin or on any form of computer-readable media. The term“computer-readable media” typically refers to system memory, storagedevices and theft associated media, and the like.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of thepresent invention and the forgoing examples may be applied, it should berecognized that the examples described herein are meant to beillustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of thepresent invention. Therefore, the invention as described hereincontemplates all such embodiments as may come within the scope of thefollowing claims and any equivalents thereto.

1. A method comprising simultaneously displaying on a display device aset of indicators comprising a spherical indicator and a field of view(“FOV”) indicator, the set of indicators configured for indicating aposition and zoom level of a FOV in a spatial environment, the sphericalindicator configured for projecting a rectangular projection of the FOVfrom a center point of the spherical indicator, an area of therectangular projection indicating the zoom level, the local FOVindicator configured for presenting a rectangular representation of theFOV within a rectangular area of the FOV indicator, wherein therectangular representation of the local FOV indicator corresponds to therectangular projection of the spherical indicator.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the FOV is configured for narrowing and widening inresponse to the zoom level increasing and decreasing respectively. 3.The method of claim 1 wherein a size of the rectangular projection ofthe spherical indicator corresponds to the zoom level.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 wherein a size of the rectangular representation of the localFOV indicator corresponds to the zoom level.
 5. The method of claim 1wherein the spatial environment comprises any real space or imaginaryspace.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising exploring the spatialenvironment by moving the FOV.
 7. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising exploring the spatial environment by changing the zoom level.8. At least one computer-readable media storing instructions that, whenexecuted by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method forsimultaneously displaying a set of indicators configured for indicatinga position and relative zoom level of a field of view in a correspondingspatial environment, the set of indicators comprising a sphericalindicator and a field of view (“FOV”) indicator, the set of indicatorsconfigured for indicating a position and zoom level of a FOV in aspatial environment, the spherical indicator configured for projecting arectangular projection of the FOV from a center point of the sphericalindicator, an area of the rectangular projection indicating the zoomlevel, the local FOV indicator configured for presenting a rectangularrepresentation of the FOV within a rectangular area of the FOVindicator, wherein the rectangular representation of the local FOVindicator corresponds to the rectangular projection of the sphericalindicator.
 9. The at least one computer-readable media of claim 8wherein the FOV is configured for narrowing and widening in response tothe zoom level increasing and decreasing respectively.
 10. The at leastone computer-readable media of claim 8 wherein a size of the rectangularprojection of the spherical indicator corresponds to the zoom level. 11.The at least one computer-readable media of claim 8 wherein a size ofthe rectangular representation of the local FOV indicator corresponds tothe zoom level.
 12. The at least one computer-readable media of claim 8wherein the spatial environment comprises any real space or imaginaryspace.
 13. The at least one computer-readable media of claim 8, themethod further comprising exploring the spatial environment by movingthe FOV.
 14. The at least one computer-readable media of claim 8, themethod further comprising exploring the spatial environment by changingthe zoom level.
 15. A system comprising a computer configured forsimultaneously displaying a set of indicators comprising a sphericalindicator and a field of view (“FOV”) indicator, the set of indicatorsconfigured for indicating a position and zoom level of a FOV in aspatial environment, the spherical indicator configured for projecting arectangular projection of the FOV from a center point of the sphericalindicator, an area of the rectangular projection indicating the zoomlevel, the local FOV indicator configured for presenting a rectangularrepresentation of the FOV within a rectangular area of the FOVindicator, wherein the rectangular representation of the local FOVindicator corresponds to the rectangular projection of the sphericalindicator.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein the FOV is configured fornarrowing and widening in response to the zoom level increasing anddecreasing respectively.
 17. The system of claim 15 wherein a size ofthe rectangular projection of the spherical indicator corresponds to thezoom level.
 18. The system of claim 15 wherein a size of the rectangularrepresentation of the local FOV indicator corresponds to the zoom level.19. The system of claim 15 wherein the spatial environment comprises anyreal space or imaginary space.
 20. The system of claim 5, the computerfurther configured for exploring the spatial environment by moving theFOV or by changing the zoom level.